The Seattle Mariners find themselves entering the offseason facing one of their toughest decisions in recent memory — whether to open the checkbook and retain slugger Josh Naylor, one of the key pieces behind their deep postseason run. After an impressive second half in Seattle, Naylor has positioned himself as one of the top bats available in free agency, and keeping him won’t come cheap.
When the Mariners made the bold move to acquire Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez at the trade deadline, the front office knew it was a gamble. Seattle needed an offensive boost to push them over the edge, and both veterans delivered exactly that. Naylor brought intensity, power, and a winning mentality to the lineup, while Suárez provided stability and leadership. Their presence immediately transformed the Mariners into a more complete team — one capable of hanging with the American League’s best.
The results spoke for themselves. The Mariners surged late in the season and made an inspiring run through the postseason, ultimately falling short of a World Series title but proving they belonged among baseball’s elite. Now, as the dust settles, Seattle faces a different kind of challenge: retaining the players who helped get them there.
Both Naylor and Suárez are set to hit free agency this winter, and losing both in the same offseason would be a significant setback for a franchise that finally seems poised for sustained success. The Mariners’ front office has made it clear that winning remains the top priority, but success in today’s MLB often comes down to one thing — money. If Seattle truly wants to remain competitive, they’ll have to be willing to spend it.
And when it comes to Josh Naylor, the price tag won’t be small.
According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, Naylor is projected to command around $90 million over four years on the open market. For a player entering his prime at 28 years old, that figure reflects not only his talent but also the scarcity of consistent left-handed power bats who can hit for both average and pop.
“Coming off a season in which he hit 31 homers and helped lead the Guardians to the ALCS, Naylor was traded last December to the Diamondbacks, who then sent him to the Mariners at the subsequent trade deadline,” Bowden wrote. “Though his home run total dropped from 31 to 20 in 2025, he improved his contact rate considerably and raised his batting average more than 50 points from 2024. He also added a ‘speed’ element to his game, using his smarts on the basepaths to steal a career-high 30 bags despite being among the game’s slowest runners. At 28, Naylor has proven he’s a solid middle-of-the-order bat capable of hitting .300 with 20-plus homers. He might not be a superstar, but he’s a solid defender and a winning player who has helped the Guardians and Mariners to playoff berths the last two years.”
That scouting report perfectly encapsulates what makes Naylor such an appealing free agent. He may not be a flashy name like some of the superstar sluggers that dominate offseason headlines, but his all-around game and competitive fire make him invaluable to a contending team. He’s the type of player who raises the intensity of everyone around him — the kind of steady, emotional leader the Mariners have long needed.
During his brief stint with Seattle, Naylor’s impact was undeniable. He quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his aggressive at-bats, clutch performances, and passionate energy. His ability to deliver in key moments — whether driving in runs late in games or making heads-up plays on the basepaths — helped set the tone for the team’s gritty postseason push.
What stood out most, however, was his improvement at the plate. Naylor displayed an advanced approach that made him one of the toughest outs in the American League. His contact skills — once considered merely solid — took a leap forward, as he became adept at adjusting to pitchers mid-at-bat and consistently putting the ball in play. That newfound discipline translated into a higher batting average and more consistent offensive production.
He may not have replicated his 31-homer campaign from 2024, but his 20 homers in 2025 were arguably more valuable given his improved on-base percentage and situational hitting. Moreover, Naylor surprised many with his aggressiveness on the basepaths, swiping 30 bases — a career high for a player not known for his speed. That combination of smarts, instinct, and effort made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Defensively, Naylor proved to be more than capable at first base. His glove work and range were steady, and he showed an excellent ability to scoop low throws and save his infielders from potential errors. He might not win a Gold Glove anytime soon, but his defense is certainly above average — and that reliability matters for a team that prides itself on pitching and defense.
At age 28, Naylor’s best years are likely still ahead of him, making him one of the safer investments in this year’s free-agent class. Teams know exactly what they’re getting — a durable, high-character player who contributes in every facet of the game. That kind of consistency won’t come cheap, though, and the Mariners will have plenty of competition.
Several teams across the league are expected to pursue Naylor aggressively. Clubs looking for a left-handed power bat — such as the Giants, Cubs, or Blue Jays — could easily drive up his price. The Mariners, therefore, face the challenge of not only valuing him correctly but also proving that they’re willing to spend what it takes to keep a player of his caliber in Seattle.
A four-year, $90 million deal would equate to roughly $22.5 million per year, a reasonable rate for a middle-of-the-order bat who can hit .300 with 20 home runs and elite contact skills. However, the Mariners have traditionally been cautious spenders, particularly under general manager Justin Hollander. If the team hesitates, they risk watching another key contributor walk out the door — something the fanbase has grown tired of seeing.
The argument for re-signing Naylor goes beyond his individual performance. He fits the Mariners’ offensive philosophy perfectly — patient at the plate, unafraid to grind out at-bats, and capable of producing in clutch moments. His left-handed swing also complements the right-handed-heavy lineup, giving manager Scott Servais more balance and flexibility.
Just as importantly, Naylor brings a contagious energy to the clubhouse. Teammates have spoken highly of his leadership and competitive spirit, noting that his fiery demeanor often sparked the team during difficult stretches. That type of chemistry is hard to replace, especially for a team that has finally started building a winning culture.
If the Mariners are serious about remaining postseason contenders, retaining Naylor feels essential. Letting him go would create a significant void at first base and in the heart of the lineup. Replacing his production and leadership would likely cost as much — if not more — than simply keeping him.
Still, money always complicates things. Seattle’s payroll situation gives them some flexibility, but ownership must decide how aggressively to pursue free agents after already committing resources to other areas. With Suárez also testing the market, the front office must determine which player offers the better long-term value. Ideally, they’d keep both — but realistically, Naylor should be the priority.
There’s also a question of timing. If the Mariners wait too long, other teams could swoop in and offer Naylor a deal that Seattle can’t or won’t match. Acting early could demonstrate the team’s commitment to winning and show Naylor that the organization values his contributions.
Ultimately, this offseason will test the Mariners’ willingness to evolve into true big-market contenders. The front office has built a talented, competitive roster largely through smart trades and player development, but the next step is sustaining that success by retaining key players — not letting them walk away in free agency.
Josh Naylor represents more than just another bat in the lineup. He’s a symbol of what the Mariners have become: resilient, energetic, and hungry. His acquisition at the trade deadline was one of the defining moments of their 2025 campaign, and keeping him in Seattle would signal that the franchise intends to keep pushing forward.
If the Mariners decide to invest in Naylor, they’d be securing not only a productive hitter but also a tone-setter — a player who embodies the kind of relentless energy that fuels postseason runs. With the right offer, Seattle could lock down its first base position and solidify its lineup for years to come.
For now, though, all eyes are on the front office. Will they be willing to pay what it takes to keep one of their breakout stars? Or will Naylor become another example of Seattle’s reluctance to spend when it matters most?
One thing is clear: if the Mariners want to continue their upward trajectory, they’ll have to prove it — not just on the field, but at the negotiating table. And it starts with Josh Naylor.
